I go for the Don Krekel Orchestra big band once a ...
I go for the Don Krekel Orchestra big band once a month... Sounds amazing and lifts the spirits every time

I go for the Don Krekel Orchestra big band once a month... Sounds amazing and lifts the spirits every time
This place is a great place to unwind have a drink and a laugh or two as Louisvilles best comedians go all out to make you laugh. the food is great and the people are great. Im a regular there so come on down
This was the best show that I have been to. If you want to laugh go to The Laughing Derby. Take my word for this.
Ken
Went to Laughing Derby to see Mat Alano-Martin and Tim Meadows. Both of them brought their A-game and were funny, funny, funny! Oh my gosh, what a great show they put on! Wait staff was courteous and on the spot without being annoying or disruptive. Club is nicely laid out; all the seats are "good seats". Pricing for tickets and food/drinks was very reasonable. Had a great evening with family and friends!
Always a good time! High quality comedians performing and very reasonably priced drinks and munchies.
Comedy Caravan
is a great place to go when you need to laugh..we have been couple times, and we always had a good time
I love this place! Friendly staff, hilarious headliners, fantastic open mics, 5 stars all around!
Had a great time! The old Comedy Caravan did not serve food, so we went out first. To our surprise, they now serve food! Prices are good, affordable night out.
Now before I start the heart of my review, I would like to first give you a little background about myself so you can understand where I am coming from as far as my perspective goes. I recently moved to Louisville in Spring 2015 and have been the Laughing Derby about three to four times. I originally found it via Meetup but have mainly attended with friends from work. Now this review is going to consist of two parts, one the actual location and two the performance (Big Mike's Show).
Right off the bat I will tell you that the location is nothing special. Though I like that it somewhat has an old school underground feel to it,do not expect anything spectucular when you walk in. At first it didnt really bother me because like everyone I was there to laugh and have a good time with my friends so as long as there was a place to sit I was okay. Now as for suggestions I recommend that you DO NOT EAT HERE. Out of the four times I have gone, I have only had good service once. Every night I have attended they only ever had one server on the floor waiting over 25 tables. Last night, not only did the girl look like she had just rolled out of bed, more than half the time she didn't bring me the drink I ordered. After 25 minutes of waiting for her return, I just walked to the bar and put in a drink order myself. Also if you think you will be hungry , I would suggest getting something to eat prior to the show. The good this is that this place is on one of the best restuarant streets in town so finding great food isnt that hard. You can get much better food for less money down the street.
Now lets talks about the performance (Big Mike's Show). As I said earlier last night was my fourth time attending an event at this location so I have seen great performers and I have seen decent performers. Last night was the worst performance I have ever attended at this establishment not because of how bad the jokes were bad, but because of how the show lacked one single component, CLASS!!! Let me explain. When I walked in with my girls I was greeted by a man who at the time I did not know was the MC. I felt like I was in college again because that man smelt like pure marijuana. And the sad part was he wasnt the only one. Most of the men in there were either drunk or stoned. Thankfully we had been seated to the side so we didnt have to breath that scent in all night. Now while the some of the performers, mainly the headliner, had a few high points, all of them basically recited all the of most commonly used jokes used in the African American community. I would have honestly been happier sitting at home in my pajamas watching en episode of Kevin Hart on Netflix than attending this event. By the end of the night I had felt like attending the event was not only a waste of money but a waste of time. When the show was over and we proceeded to exit, it was no surprise that we ran in the MC and one of the performers smoking a joint outside the exit door. So when I say this show lacked class, I was not being overdramatic. I can say with absolute certainty that was the first and most likely the last time I will be attending one of Big Mike's events.
Exciting new management!!! New lights!!! New sound equipment!!! I'm all in!!!
I love this place!!! They treat the talent and the customers like gold. If your military get over here! I am former military and let me tell you they goout of their way for the Men and Women of the U.S. military. Keep up the great work Caravan!!
I loved the comedians for sure but the service was not available. My party had a waitress come to the table and ask for drink orders. Myself and husband ordered a bucket of beer and the couple that came with us ordered vodka and tonic. We all also ordered the big platter of nachos ( at the waitresses recommendation). The host had done his stint and the next comedian was on stage and we still did not have the appetizer or drinks and the headliner was on stage and we still had nothing but the people in front of us had already had two or three drinks brought to them. The couple we were with finally decided to go tot the bar to get our drinks and we had just enough time to get one down and no appetizer was ever gotten. The place to get the tickets was HOT and very CROWDED and everyone was everywhere no lines specific to what was getting tickets or already had tickets. I was very disappointed in the service as we had not eaten because we were going to get it there. We went last weekend just my husband and I and had a great time with no problems at all but inviting friends and telling them how good it was made me embarrassed about the evening
Great people and staff.... laughter it's Is all 100 % and one of my favorite jobs I ever had....new owners really turned the place around I miss it
What a great place! Funny comedians, great drink specials. Tremendous night out!
Fun place to watch a show. I will say adding gratuity automatically is a bit tacky and presumptuous that a customer cannot figure out 20 percent gratuity. But I'm sure there unfortunately is a reason for it. Still, fun place to go see comedy.
Went to the open mike night. Even the first timers were very funny.
Louisville's premier comedy club!! Saw Jim Florentine there. He was very funny and his warm up acts were great as well. The wait staff was very friendly and always available to get you a drink. Once the kitchen is done, this place will be even better.
Show was packed/sold out and staff was friendly. We didn't think of it ahead of time but I have a hearing disability and where we was sitting the speaker was turned off so I had to cup my hand over my ears lol and the waitress told us next time to tell them and they will arrange to have us sit closer. I thought that was nice.
River Bend Winery on Tuesdays, and here every other day! Funny stuff!
I have been going to the club for years. The comedians can be great to ok. Alot depends on the audience. Thursday-saturday shows are typically a local Host, a local or traveling feature and then the headliner. Sometimes a special guest squeezed in. On Weds it is open Mike night so you get the person just starting out to the seasoned comedian trying new material. Wed is usually just $5 and can have as many as 10+ comedians. A very fun night to watch new comedians and experienced mixed in.
Overall the club is a fun time. Ladies get in free on Thursdays and there is a Meetup that gets free tickets every once in awhile for Thursday's. They give discounts to first responders and military. Check their site for details.
Don't let the people talking about drink prices scare you. I drink beer and a bottle is like $5 and a mixed drink is like $7. Yes there are fancy drinks that look like a resort and they cost more. They have food but it is not a full kitchen. We order nachos if we are munching and cheesecake if we need sweets. They do require a 2 item minimum but they can be water bottle, drink or food. They also add an 18% tip to bill.
I always try to support comedians when I can. These are people who took a chance on a career with very little promise just to bring more laughter into other people's lives. Comedy reminds us not to take life overly seriously. And I think we all need occasional reminders.
Love the Comedy environment.
This place is a local gem !
I would of rated 4-5 ) But the food has to improve !
I understand it s a comedy bar but the food used to be better and I feel small food changes would entice customers to spend more on food or snacks !
But overall a neat place !!
It's a great opportunity for a laugh with some comics. Some first timers and some polished but it always makes for a good night.
I saw Stewart Huff perform last night. He was fabulous! Loved the history lesson, as well as all of the academic hillbillies!
I had a great time at my first Comedy Show. Ms. Pat was great! This place was great and a lot of fun. I would only suggest to get a sign outside so it is easier to find. I would recomend everyone to try it atleast once. My Husband and I will definitely be back for other shows.
Great drinks!! Try the strawberry mango margarita it's amazing. Host was hilarious and one of the two acts was funny. All in all worth checking out!
Wow I've heard it all. This fight was started by 2 morons . The entire audience heard you guys threatening to cut someone and everything. Be an adult and just keep it real. Stop being so mad because you were asked to leave and just couldn't go without making an even bigger scene. Grow up! You claim to be in the military however you sure don't act like someone whose served our country. I've never in my life heard so many lies!
On a whim with one night in Louisville, we saw there was a comedy show. Called ahead to be sure there were still tickets, there were, and made it down just in time for the show to start. The staff encouraged us to take the two seats in front, we were hesitant, but glad we did in the end! There were a few local comics, who were great, but Spencer James really took the show! We laughed until we cried. Service was great, the crowd was fantastic.
My girlfriend and I had a great time here over the weekend. The comedians were hilarious, especially that guy with the mullet. Would love to see him again!
Love this place! I've only been four times, but each time the staff has been friendly and the comedians hilarious.
Last week I had the privilege of seeing Etta May, one of the funniest human beings alive.
Try their mixed drinks. They're a little pricey, but worth it!
Nice, intimate atmosphere, not a bad seat in the house. The entertainment the evening we went was very good, service was good. Only complaint was the pre-show experience. My husband and I are from the Detroit area and frequent comedy clubs in both the Detroit area and Windsor, Canada. We are used to arriving early and getting a few drinks ahead of time. We arrived about 6:30, the advertised door-open time but had to stand outside for about 10 minutes. When we were let in, we then had to stand in the lobby for another 10-15 minutes. Someone finally took pity on us and let us sit at a table in the show room, she was then scolded by another employee for letting us in. We promised to be good. I read my kindle, my husband checked email on his phone for another 10-15 minutes before they were ready to start serving customers. Very uninviting experience...don t advertise an opening time if you are not willing to abide by it.
I laughed really hard. The perfect place to unwind and have a great time with friends!
I've been to the Laughing Derby twice in during the past to months, IT'S FABULOUS! I'm definitely go back.
I m very happy I decided to give the place another chance. Last weekend there was a disruption, there were obnoxious customers ruining the show for many if not most people. Loud and disrespectful. And when asked to leave they still would not, caused a scene out side of the show. I m greatful the staff handled it well, and I had such a great time both times.
I m still confused as to why the exact person who caused the issue is having their friends who never attended, to leave one star just to drop the rating... but nothing to say as to why so that the business could actually have mature feedback on what to work on. Karma...
Great show. Friendly staff. Love how they better arranged the showroom compared to the old Comedy Caravan (now The Laughing Derby). I got chips and queso and they were surprisingly delicious. Overall a great experience! Great job guys, keep at it!
Small cozy club, every seat has a great view. Bar in the first room before the main room, but only a few seats. Make sure you order all food and drinks before the show starts!
We went twice to the same comedian as it was that good
Hadn't been to the Comedy Caravan in a while and we had a great time! Mark Curry was fantastic. Very quick, very funny. Everyone should go and support the comedians and the Club so it stays around!
Great value for a ton of laughs!
Commedians so entertaining and funny, compares with the best entertainment venues in the country
Always a fun night out! This place is one of Louisville's best kept secrets! It is a great alternative to a movie for a date night. A dinner and show at the Caravan make for a great night!
Been having a great time since it's switched to the Laughing Derby. Felt the comedy is better all around and it's nice to see some national acts that are on television. Favorite shows have been Hal Sparks who made the crowd feel welcome. That show had IMO the best emcee and felt like a well put together show. Also the Jimmy Shubert show with great comedians all around! Of course there's been some lackluster shows too but with comedy either you like them or you don't but overall it's been great.
Great people and staff.... laughter it's Is all 100 % and one of my favorite jobs I ever had....new owners really turned the place around I miss it
Oh my stars! I just laughed and laughed. The beverages were ok. The comedians really were quite funny. This is a great place for a date.
Had an awesome time and enjoyed the comics and the crowd. I'll definitely be back and try some comedy myself at the open mic nights. I hadn't laughed like that in years. The service was prompt the drinks were great and reasonably priced I'm definitely recommending it to my friends!
Great cocktail selection. Oldie but Goodie is a solid choice. And, the Tito's Pool Side doesn't disappoint. Friendly staff. Excellent comedy.
Went to see our favorite... ETTA MAY! What a show except for the opener...can't even remember his name. He needs to work on his act before getting on stage. The club was clean and well organized, with a new twist... a two-item minimum. Not bad considering everyone (especially in our group) always wants a beverage and munchies. The prices were very reasonable, with the exception of having to pay an extra $3 per ticket to reserve your seat. The old Comedy Caravan didn't offer food and under new ownership/management The Laughing Derby does. Nice touch! Etta May was our first date so she holds a special place in our hearts... never miss her show when she is in Kentucky! A true comedian. Very funny!
Great venue with a very friendly staff. Will definitely go back.
Never disappointed. Every time I've gone I've had a great time. My husband and I love going here for a cheap night out. Sometimes tickets are as low as $10 a person. Can you really beat that?
The Caravan has become a Louisville landmark. They made some improvements to the interior, and the shows are always good. Love to support local comedy.
Not the best. Acts were all pretty bad except for the headliner. Space felt dreary and dark.
Update: I am not sure what you mean about last night as I was there well over a week ago from your reply, I guess that means this is a normal occurrence then. While I do agree the comic that night did ok at first with the heckler, at our show the comic walked off stage and didn't come back to finish the set and the show ended early... Not a great experience for the wife and I as it was our anniversary and it kind of spoiled it.
I had a good time, the crowd was really small which hurt the show a bit. There was a heckler in the crowd and none of the staff did anything about it. Not sure if I will go back if they can't keep the show on track
No offense to those who enjoy it there but the first 2 comedians read from their notes and I personally get tired of hearing the "F" bomb repeatedly. Not worth the $5 admission plus 1 item to be purchased requirement.
all Todd McComas did was pick on the audience all night. not funny
They charge double for non-alcoholic drinks. They should be cheaper since they don't have alcohol in them......
Always a great place for laughs, that's what keeps me coming back.
First time going to the Caravan, my stepdaughter and her Husband gave me tickets for my Birthday so my Husband and I went. They had 4 comedians that night performing their shows to a Packed House. Parking was a Nightmare, but the last two Comedians were worth the trip. Drink prices were Excessively high, paid over $26 for 2 drinks. But both drinks were delicious and cold. With my hip and leg issues, I wasn't thrilled to see that the entrance had stairs, but yet the exit was on Ground level and alot closer to my car. But Overall, it was alot of fun and I would likely go back.
Third time here and it's been absolutely a load full of laughs every time.
Good acts. Be aware that this venue always has a 2 item minimum..
Cool place drinks are kinda expensive so bring money.
Last night was a BOMB !! The host, Darren, was the funniest comedian of the night. Zach was absolutely terrible, so bad that my wife & I actually laughed at how bad he was. The 2nd comedian rapped & sang for his whole skit & really left the crowd sitting looking at each other --waiting for a punch line. The Headliner pulled a few laughs out of the crowd, but overall struggled with the material. I was expecting solid performances on a Saturday night but the Laughing Derby fell dead last in this heat -- I would say that it was favorite that ran dead last & we lost our money on this bet.
this was my boyfriend and I's first time in Louisville, as well as my very first time at a comedy club. The staff were very nice and consistent! I did get my ID checked a couple times throughout the night (I'm sure because I look young) but that didn't take away from the amazing time we had and lots of laughter. Whether I was heavily intoxicated or genuinely found all acts hilarious, or most likely a mix of both (LOL)- I enjoyed all four of the comedians we got to see a lot. As with any comedy club there's a chance you could be a part of the joke so be ready to make some fun of yourself in the process. It was a great time and fun way to start off our Saturday night in Louisville. If you're looking for something to do in the city during the rona, I highly recommend going.
This was my first comedy club experience and I loved it.
Dale Jones was the comedian and I know that can make or break the evening but he was great.
The MC was okay, but when you have to constantly check your phone for tips or timing, your set is not flowing properly dude.
Got to sit right up next to the stage. So no issues there.
The waitress was friendly but rarely came to the table. I got one drink and would've gotten more if she had. It was difficult to get waters or anything. She was very quick to want to close out the tab and I finally let her so I wouldn't have to track someone down later.
I will be back though. Fun evening, great experience, eat before you go!
Great environment and good staff. I highly recommend this comedy club.
Had a blast! Great show with Pauly and the staff was friendly helpful generally awesome. Decent food and timely service for the kinds of crowds they have there
It's under new management, bringing in done old faces and some new.
